
It was shared spoils this aftermoon with neither side earning bragging rights as we played to a 2-all draw at Sugar ray Xulu Stadium.
The first half saw Amazulu dominating position and possession for 20 minutes and eventually taking the lead as Mlambo opened the scoring off a far side corner. This was just seconds after some die hard defending from Sibisi and Zuke denied Ntuli.
We seemed to come alive at this point of the game and fired back at the visitors, taking the game to them and looking for opportunities as we pushed deep into their half. We were awarded a penalty in the 30th minute after a hand ball in the box, which Mutizwa converted.
We pushed up again, and forced another error from AmaZulu as Memela pulled Sibisi down in the box. This time Mutizwa played his shot too wide and was denied by the post, the rebound ball was then saved by Mothwa as we took another shot at target.
Heading into the break a goal a piece was an indication of the second half that was to follow.
The second stanza of play was as entertaining as the first. We came back onto the park showing some determination to take the lead in the game and enjoyed more possession of the ball than the first 45. The boys spread the ball well, looking for angles to get behind the defence, and finding them.
Dube had a couple of opportunities but created a tight angle for his attempts and put them over the bar. Our pressure paid off in the 77th minute as Mathiane, on the field for an injured Khumalo, scored a brilliant header to take the lead.
It was short lived though as just 2 minutes later, AmaZulu were awarded a penalty for a foul in the box. Ntuli took the opportunity to equalize and that’s how the score remained for the rest of the game.
Both goal keepers played impressively this afternoon though and had periods of play that put them to the test as they had to make multiple quick saves in a quick paced game.
We head to Emirates Park on the 25th where we face Sekhukhune at 5pm in our next DStv Premiership fixture.